Sep 30, 2023  
2023-24 Undergraduate Bulletin 
    
2023-24 Undergraduate Bulletin

General Information


 

Governance

By legislative act, a nine-member Board of Regents appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Texas Senate governs The University of Texas System and its member institutions, including Stephen F. Austin State University. Each member serves a six-year term, with three new appointments every two years. Each year the governor also appoints a student from one of The University of Texas System member institutions as a non-voting member of the Board of Regents to serve a one-year term. This board sets general policies and rules that govern the System. SFA is further governed by the rules and policies set by The University of Texas System administration, as deleted by the Board of Regents.

Accreditation

Founded in 1923, Stephen F. Austin State University is a comprehensive public institution located in Nacogdoches, Texas. SFA is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, scholarship, creative work and service. Throughout the university, faculty and staff provide personal attention, engaging students in a learner-centered environment and offering opportunities to prepare for the challenges of living in the global community. SFA benefits the East Texas community and the state of Texas by providing a high quality, affordable education.

Initial institutional accreditation was received in 1927 as Stephen Austin State Teachers College from the accrediting body now known as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). From 1951-68, accreditation as Stephen F. Austin State College was in place. Since 1968, accreditation as Stephen F. Austin State University is active. The last SFA SACSCOC reaffirmation occurred in 2021, and the next reaffirmation is scheduled for 2031. The following statement provides information regarding the current SFA institutional accreditation:

Stephen F. Austin State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials, such as certificates and diplomas, at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of SFA may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097; by calling (404) 679-4500; or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website at www.sacscoc.org.

Colleges and universities in the United States and all over the world recognize credit earned at Stephen F. Austin State University. Numerous programs of study at the university are accredited by specialized accrediting agencies. For accreditation of specific programs of study, see individual college pages in the Academic Units  section of this bulletin.

Administration

Officers of Administration

Gina Oglesbee, MPA

Interim President

Lorenzo M. Smith, PhD

Provost/Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

Marc S. Guidry, PhD

Associate Provost

Gina Oglesbee, MPA

Vice President for Finance and Administration

Carrie Charley, MEd

Interim Vice President for Student Affairs

Jill Still, MBA, CFRE

Vice President for University Advancement

Michara DeLaney-Fields, PhD

Chief Diversity Officer

Graham Garner, MPA

Chief Marketing Communications Officer

Alumni Association

Craig Turnage

Executive Director of Alumni Relations

Research and Graduate Studies

Sheryll Jerez, PhD

Interim Dean of Research and Graduate Studies

Ralph W. Steen Library

Jonathan Helmke

Director of Library

Deans of Colleges

Dustin Knepp, PhD

Dean of the College of Liberal and Applied Arts

Timothy O. Bisping, PhD

Dean of the Nelson Rusche College of Business

Judy A. Abbott, PhD

Dean of the James I. Perkins College of Education

Gary Wurtz, DMA

Dean of the College of Fine Arts

Hans M. Williams, PhD

Dean of the Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture

Kimberly M. Childs, PhD

Dean of the College of Sciences and Mathematics

Student Affairs

Andrew J. Dies, EdD

Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students

Carrie Charley, MEd

Assistant Vice President of Campus Living, Dining and Auxiliaries

Hollie Smith, EdD

Interim Dean of Student Affairs

University Mission

Stephen F. Austin State University is a comprehensive institution dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, scholarship, creative work and service. Through the personal attention of our faculty and staff, we engage our students in a learner-centered environment and offer opportunities to prepare for the challenges of living in the global community.